Summary
A report examining traffic fatalities in the U.S. shows that speeding and impaired driving remain major causes of deadly crashes. While overall traffic deaths have decreased slightly, they are still high, with speeding and alcohol impairment contributing to a large portion of them.
Key Facts
- In 2024, an estimated 39,345 people died in U.S. traffic crashes, a decrease of 3.8% from 2023.
- Speeding was involved in about 29% of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2023.
- States with high proportions of speeding-related fatalities in 2023 include Oregon (64%), Hawaiʻi (58%), and Rhode Island (45%).
- Alcohol-impaired driving caused around 12,429 deaths in 2023, about 30% of all U.S. traffic fatalities.
- Impaired driving fatalities often rise during holidays and weekends.
- Speeding drivers are more likely to exhibit other dangerous behaviors like impaired driving and not using seatbelts.
